This article about Super Commando Dhruv will resonate with the 80s and 90s kids especially boys who are now men busy in their lives tending to the needs of their parents, wives and children
This is about the Superhero whom we all looked up-to, who being a mere mortal took on challenges that were insurmountable for ordinary humans, and who despite being orphaned at a young age understood the family values and family responsibilities.
Super Commando Dhruv got orphaned at a very young age and was later adopted by a senior police officer I.G. Rajan Mehra. Dhruv had a normal but unique childhood as he was born in a circus where his parents Shyam and Radha were trapeze artists. Dhruv learned the various tricks like motorcycle riding, shooting, karate, animal and bird languages, gymnastics and various other things at a very small age and became an expert in all these
When he was only 14 his parents were killed by a rival circus owner and that had a telling effect on Dhruv’s psychology.
He took his parents revenge and vowed to fight evil where ever he sees it. This was Dhruv’s introductory comics Prathishodh Ki Jwala “प्रतिशोध की ज्वाला”
He is later adopted by a senior police officer I.G. Rajan Mehra and thus Dhruv got a new family. Soon Dhruv forms his own force to fight baddies that is known as commando force. His force consists of young cadets Peter, Renu and Karim.
The second series of Dhruv comics is Roman Hatyara “रोमन हत्यारा”. It is also a very interesting read where a man who wears an ancient Roman Crown acquires unique and special powers and after acquiring those powers the man goes on a killing spree. It took Dhruv all his skill and guile to identify the killer and bring him to justice. This comic also proved very popular and from here there was no looking back.
Boys used to wait for the next series to appear at the magazine stall so that they can lay their hands on them. Dhruv had his first collaboration with Nagraj (the other superhero) from Raj Comics staple in Nagraj and Super Commando Dhruv “नागराज और सुपर कमांडो ध्रुव”. It was a fun comic where they were on a mission to rescue their fellow Superheroes from Miss Killer who had held them captive in faraway Japan where it was very difficult to rescue them.
Later in the Dhruv comic series we see that Dhruv’s sister, daughter of IG Rajan also joins Dhruv in his fight against evil forces. She dons the disguise of Chandika, and even Dhruv despite his intelligence fails to recognise Chandika.
“In due course” Dhruv not only acquires enemies, but also true friends who stand by him through thick and thin and were willing to sacrifice their lives for him. The special thing about Dhruv was that, unlike other super heroes, he did not have any special power. Instead, his intelligence, bravery and presence of mind were enough to overcome evil forces.
Dhruv’s subsequent comics not particularly in the order of publication like Grandmaster Robo “ग्रैंडमास्टर रोबो”, Aawaz ki Tabaahi “आवाज़ की तबाही” Udantastari Ke Bandhak “उड़नतस्तरी के बधक”
Dr Virus “डॉ. वायरस”, Mujhe Maut Chahiye “मुझे मौत चाहिए”, Black Cat “ब्लैक कैट”, Ek Din Ki Maut “एक दिन की मौत”, Kirigi ka Kahar “किरीगी का कहर, Bauna Waman “बौना वामन”, Mahamanav “महामानव”, Aadamkhoro Ka Swarg “आदमखोरों का स्वर्ग”, Vudu “वूडू” Champion Killer “चैम्पियन किलर” were all well received. The young readers lapped up the comics and Dhruv soon acquired cult status.
The Dhruv mania continued its trajectory until the late 90s, but with the advent of smartphone and cheaper data plan young generation started consuming more and more videos. The sale of Raj comics, and for that matter, all comics and magazines dedicated to children, started to decline and Dhruv along with other popular comic characters like Chacha Chowdhaury, Billu, Pinki and Nagraj were no longer in demand. By the mid-2010s it was apparent that the business was taking its last breath and this beautiful journey between the reader and Dhruv was about to end.
Dhruv comics might have ceased publication, but I am sure those born in the 80s and the early 90s still hold a special place in the hearts for their very own Super Commando Dhruv.
